Reducing the Risks of Alcohol Use

If you decide you want to use alcohol you may find the following suggestions useful in reducing the risks:

Keep track of how much you drink. Know the quantity of alcohol in your drink.

Stay alert to prevent accidents or falls. If you have had nothing to drink for a number of weeks, or your medications have changed, be particularly careful: you may become impaired by a much smaller amount of alcohol than before.

Don’t use alcohol on a daily basis. Drinking daily gradually builds up your body’s resistance to alcohol, which can lead to heavier use.

As an alternative to alcoholic drinks, try alcohol-free or low-alcohol beer or wine.

Remember to eat when you are drinking.

Don’t use alcohol as a medication for pain or sleep disturbance.

Don’t use it to cope with problems or worries. Talk to your doctor or a counsellor for help with these concerns.